Despite comprehensive legal protections, vulnerable groups face significant barriers to full participation in society.
By Nkafu Policy Institute
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – A new governance report released by the Nkafu Policy Institute reveals troubling gaps between Cameroon’s legal commitments and the lived realities of women and persons with disabilities, highlighting persistent discrimination that undermines democratic progress in Central Africa.
The 2024 report on “Rights and Freedoms of Socially Vulnerable Groups” found that while Cameroon has ratified major international conventions and established domestic legislation protecting vulnerable populations, implementation remains severely lacking across political, economic, and social spheres.
Women Face Continued Political Exclusion
Despite representing 52% of Cameroon’s population, women remain significantly underrepresented in positions of power. The report found that women hold only 33% of National Assembly seats and just 10.8% of mayoral positions nationwide. Alarmingly, no woman serves as regional president.
“The data shows a clear disconnect between Cameroon’s commitment to gender equality and the reality on the ground,” said Vanessa Aboudi, Policy Analyst at the Nkafu Policy Institute and lead researcher on the report. “We have the legal framework, but lack the political will for meaningful implementation.”
Gender-based violence continues at alarming rates, with 39% of women aged 15-49 experiencing physical violence in 2018. The report noted over 80 cases of femicide in 2023 alone, while ongoing security crises in the country’s Anglophone regions have intensified violence against women and girls.
Economic Marginalisation Limits Opportunities
The report reveals significant economic disparities that perpetuate women’s vulnerability. Women own only 13.6% of land titles issued since 1972, despite comprising over half of the agricultural workforce. This limits their access to credit, with only 16.8% of women receiving financial services compared to men.
Meanwhile, child marriage remains endemic, particularly in northern regions where 97% of forced marriages involve minors. The report identified legal contradictions between the Civil Code, which permits marriage at 15, and the Penal Code, which prohibits marriage under 18.
Persons with Disabilities Face Systematic Exclusion
The situation for persons with disabilities is equally concerning. Despite representing an estimated 5-10% of the population, they are virtually absent from political leadership. The report found no mayors or parliamentarians with disabilities, and only one substitute senator.
Employment discrimination persists, with persons with disabilities comprising just 5.66% of civil service positions in 2023. Complex administrative procedures for obtaining disability cards further limit access to essential services and benefits.
“People with disabilities face a double burden,” explained Dr. Hugues Pippie, Policy Analyst at Nkafu. “Physical barriers prevent them from accessing services, while social prejudices question their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
Urgent Action Required
The research identifies several critical factors undermining progress, including weak enforcement mechanisms, cultural barriers, and insufficient budget allocation to social protection programs. The report recommends introducing legal quotas for representation, criminalising domestic violence, simplifying administrative procedures, and increasing budget allocation to education and health programs.
These recommendations take on added urgency given that the findings have implications beyond Cameroon’s borders, as similar challenges affect vulnerable populations across Central Africa. As Cameroon and other Central African States grapple with rising authoritarianism and shrinking civic space, ensuring the rights of vulnerable populations becomes increasingly critical for democratic resilience and social cohesion.
The Nkafu Policy Institute is the think tank of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation, working to provide evidence-based policy recommendations that allow all Africans to prosper in free, fair, democratic, and sustainable economies. The full report is available at www.nkafu.org/analysis.
